This hearty casserole combines the comforting flavors of potatoes, sausages, and mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection with a creamy, herb-infused sauce. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. With a golden crust and a gooey cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- Olive oil: for cooking and greasing
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Provencal herbs: to taste
- Sweet paprika: to taste
- Potatoes: 5 medium-sized
- Eggs: 4 large
- Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
- White onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 large, grated
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, chopped
- Green onions: for garnish
- Butter: 60 grams / 2.11 ounces
- Flour: 50 grams / 1.76 ounces
- Milk: 400 milliliters / 13.52 fluid ounces
- Sausages: 2, sliced
- Mozzarella cheese: 100 grams / 3.52 ounces, grated
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, Provencal herbs, and sweet paprika.
- Spread the potatoes in a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until slightly tender.
- Prepare the Eggs:
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a pan, heat a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped red bell pepper. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Take the partially baked potatoes out of the oven. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables and sliced sausages on top.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the casserole and sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for another 30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving. Enjoy the casserole hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Accompany with a glass of white wine or your favorite beverage.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the potatoes are sliced evenly to cook uniformly.
- You can substitute the sausages with chicken or ham for a different flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the vegetable mix.
- To make the sauce extra smooth, strain it before pouring over the casserole.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Potatoes: High in potassium and fiber, promoting heart health.
- Eggs: A great source of protein and essential vitamins.
- Carrots & Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune health.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides calcium for strong bones.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Substitute sausages with a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- Nut-Free: Yes, as prepared.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
(Assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Best consumed immediately after baking.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of creamy sauce and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Versatile and adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Packed with vegetables and protein, offering a balanced and nutritious meal.
Conclusion:
This Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella is a comforting, flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The rich, creamy sauce and the melty mozzarella cheese perfectly complement the tender potatoes and savory sausages. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, this casserole is both satisfying and nourishing. Try it out, and you’ll love the combination of flavors and the ease of preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, cheddar or gouda would work well in this recipe.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I use instead of sausages?
- You can substitute with cooked chicken, ham, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- How do I make this dish gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free flour in the sauce to make it gluten-free.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
- Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.
- Can I use a different type of potato?
- Yes, sweet potatoes or red potatoes can be used for a different flavor.
- Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
- Substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free cheese.
- How do I know when the casserole is done?
- The top should be golden brown, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
- Add a little more milk while cooking the sauce to reach your desired consistency.